QAS Executive Director Bennett King said Alyce was a worthy and deserving recipient of this year’s award.

“While being a surf lifesaver is not part of the award criteria, we know that the family of Peter Lacey would be ecstatic to hear the 2017 trophy is going to an athlete who is an active member of the community he championed,” Mr King said.

“This determination is what saw Alyce achieve her breakout, individual, world championship.”

Mr King said there was no higher honour for a QAS athlete and that the seven award nominees each deserved a special mention for their outstanding efforts on the world stage this year.

“Emily Seebohm (swimming), Ken Wallace (canoeing), Curtis McGrath (para canoeing), Mat Belcher & Will Ryan (sailing) and Sally Pearson (athletics) were each nominated for the award having achieved success at the most elite level of sport, while also acting as significant role models for their sport.”